A 'Timeless' 10 Minutes with K Rajagopal

I caught up with filmmaker K Rajagopal over a
quick coffee in the week before the 4th Singapore Short Films Awards
present him with an Honorary Award for his contribution to the local film
stable and the depth of local stories in our collective memories. I first knew
Raja when I became his line producer for The Lucky Seven Project in 2007. He
spared no time in giving me an introduction to his films and what he seeks in
his films. They are very personal journeys. Many publications have written about Rajagopal and his films.
However, I feel it is almost hard to academically discuss his films. I would
rather read the man than read his designs. Here is my 10 minutes with Raja and
a rare glimpse of a younger him.

Photograph by Wah. A younger Rajagopal poses for this photo in New York in 1992.

Jeremy (J): A common thread I noticed in your
films is characters longing for gratification to fill some void in their lives.
Some people say filmmakers make films that mirror their own lives. Is this
true? What's that void in your life?

Rajagopal (R): I am full of memories. Both
good and bad. Sometimes i feel it is an overload and I should just drop the
baggage and shake it all off. Perhaps it is true that what i feel or experience
in real life is some what reflected through the characters or images in my
films. Perhaps there is a void which I am still trying to fill. I am still
searching. Not sure what it is.

J: I know u are embarking on your feature
film this year. In some way, it's your first feature, how is it different from
the previous short films you have made? Anything you would be trying that u
have not tried before?

R: It is going to be different because
firstly I would need a lot more time and it is a different genre. The story
telling in short films is definitely different from a feature length film. It
will not be completely experimental like some of my short films. It is a simple
narrative.

J: Name me 3 persons (anyone from singapore
to Hollywood) you would like to cast in your films and what would u make them
do in your films?

R: Haha ! There are many actors I would like
to work with like Javier Bardem ! but I am quite realistic so I will cast
an actor who will suite the role and he will be from Singapore. Also, I find
average people on the streets very interesting and often like to work with
non-actors.

J: Many people have done retrospectives,
feature interviews, veteran-worshipping features of you. Take away the
worshipping, what would u prefer to be known for?

R: I would like to be honest as far as
possible when I make my films. I strive towards that. I am not sure.